2013

December’s Artist To Watch is Courtney Barnett, a singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. With two EP’s to her name that she self-released on her own label, Milk! Records, she’s just starting to gain some traction in the States. She played CMJ this past Fall to some excellent reviews which led to coverage on some high profile music blogs.

The Artist To Watch for November is singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer Jonathan Wilson. Wilson just released his second solo record, Fanfare. In the States, the album is out on Downtown Records.

Up until 2011, when he released his critically acclaimed Gentle Spirit, Wilson was mostly a behind the scenes musician. His own studio in Echo Park, – Fivestar Studios – is known for its warm sound and analogue equipment.

UK trio London Grammar began in 2009 as the low-key pursuit of three students at the University of Nottingham. A few years and a couple EP releases down the line, and the eclectic electronic trio developed its sound into the gorgeous and sophisticated full-length record, If You Wait.

The UK singer-songwriter, Laura Mvula, releases her gorgeous, exotic, engaging debut album, Sing To The Moon, on May 14th.

No stranger to the music scene, British singer-songwriter Laura Mvula has consistently captivated Europe’s music scene with her soulful yet remarkably astonishing voice. Characterized as an artist who can easily sweep music lovers off their feet.

Little Green Cars has been attracting a significant amount of spotlight in the music scene. Hailing from Dublin, this five-piece group can attribute its rise in attention to its dynamic yet charming performance at SXSW. Equipped with invigorating vocals and exquisite lyrics, Little Green Cars offers unmatched unique and fresh musical style which has led them to XPN’s April Artist To Watch. Working with critically-acclaimed producer Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Coldplay, and Mumford and Sons), in order to perfect their debut album Absolute Zero (Glassnote Records), Little Green Cars is expected to exceed the expectations placed in them from the musical world.

Seattle band Pickwick offers a fresh sound while playing back to traditional rock and soul roots - a sound that is quickly turning this six-piece into a rising star in their local music scene with national success soon to follow. The group's debut full-length album, Can't Talk Medicine, comes out this month and is packed with great new tracks, including one featuring XPN favorite Sharon Van Etten.